The Witcher: Difference between revisions

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{{quote|''What would you get if you took the corpse of [[~~JRR~~ ~~Tolkien~~ ~~(Creator)~~|JRR Tolkien]], ground it up into a fine powder and snorted it off the doughy breasts of a prostitute suffering from Tourettes Syndrome? Well for starters,'' ''[[Dissimile|you'd get a throatful of dead writer, then the police would probably want to talk to you, and no doubt you'd make an enemy of Mrs. Tolkien]]''. ''What you probably'' won't ''get is [[The Witcher]], because it's a [[Video Game]] and more easily acquired from your local electronics retailer, you idiot.''|'''Ben "Yatzhee" Croshaw''', [[Zero Punctuation]].}}

{{quote|''What would you get if you took the corpse of [[J. R. R. Tolkien|JRR Tolkien]], ground it up into a fine powder and snorted it off the doughy breasts of a prostitute suffering from Tourettes Syndrome? Well for starters,'' ''[[Dissimile|you'd get a throatful of dead writer, then the police would probably want to talk to you, and no doubt you'd make an enemy of Mrs. Tolkien]]''. ''What you probably'' won't ''get is [[The Witcher]], because it's a [[Video Game]] and more easily acquired from your local electronics retailer, you idiot.''|'''Ben "Yatzhee" Croshaw''', [[Zero Punctuation]].}}

''The Witcher'' is an RPG PC game based on an upgraded version of the [[Neverwinter Nights]] Aurora engine, developed by CDProjekt and released in late 2007. It describes the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, detailing his quest to regain his memories whilst pursuing revenge against a mysterious organized group, the Salamandra.

The title is set in [[The Verse]] described in the novels of ''[[The Witcher]]'' saga by Andrzej Sapkowski. Unexpectedly, it has sold rather impressively both in the US and worldwide, given that it's a niche PC game from an unknown foreign developer based on an unknown foreign IP. The sequel, titled ''[[The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings ~~(Video Game)~~|The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings]]'' was released on May 17, 2011.

The title is set in [[The Verse]] described in the novels of ''[[The Witcher]]'' saga by Andrzej Sapkowski. Unexpectedly, it has sold rather impressively both in the US and worldwide, given that it's a niche PC game from an unknown foreign developer based on an unknown foreign IP. The sequel, titled ''[[The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings|The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings]]'' was released on May 17, 2011.

See the character sheet [[The Witcher ~~(Video Game)~~/Characters|here]].

See the character sheet [[The Witcher/Characters|here]].

'''This page has been recently split off from [[The Witcher]]. Please add the examples from the second game to [[The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings ~~(Video Game)~~|The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings]]!'''

'''This page has been recently split off from [[The Witcher]]. Please add the examples from the second game to [[The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings|The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings]]!'''

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=== The game provides examples of: ===

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* [[Badass Normal]]: Despite not being a mutant or using magic, Siegfried and other flaming rose members are still competent at fighting monsters.

* [[Batman Gambit]]: Geralt orchestrates a hilarious one in the first game. He uses Triss's jealousy and anger to ensure his escape {{spoiler|when confronted by Princess Adda: he asks for a kiss as a last wish and the sorceress teleports him on the double.}}

* [[Battle in ~~The~~ Center of ~~The~~ Mind]]: {{spoiler|The finale. Unusual in that it occurs in the [[Big Bad]]'s mind.}}

* [[Battle in the Center of the Mind]]: {{spoiler|The finale. Unusual in that it occurs in the [[Big Bad]]'s mind.}}

* [[Betting Minigame]]: Dice Poker and fist-fighting.

* [[Betty and Veronica]]: Shani (a pretty, sweet healer) and Triss (a sexy, scheming sorceress). {{spoiler|[[Road Cone|In the sequel, Triss is the canonical choice.]]}}

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* [[Comforting the Widow|Comforting The Witcher]]: Triss in the games, after Yennefer's disappearance. She wants Geralt to regain his memories, but she skips mentioning his love in the first game and tricks him with the Roses of Remembrance in the sequel. However, it seems it's more of savoring the while, since she seems to realize she will lose Geralt's love when he remembers everything and is prepared for it. She even promises to [[Tear Jerker|find Yennefer, no matter the cost,]] [[Crowning Moment of Heartwarming|because she owes it to the witcher AND the sorceress.]]

* [[The Computer Is a Cheating Bastard]]: Dice Poker, in the initial version, was [[Artificial Stupidity|a cakewalk]], with the AI often rerolling excellent scores or not rerolling absolute stinkers. Patched, however, it's a nightmare. Specifically, the computer has a built-in advantage by always playing last, which means that it always knows exactly what it needs to get to beat you (and can thus decide how many and which dice to reroll to best accomplish that).

* [[Conservation of Ninjutsu]]: [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin|The 'group' fighting-style]] [[Captain Obvious|is more effective when used against a group of enemies than a lone opponent]], and by more effective, "It's easier to get multiple enemies into a range it can be used than it is to fight them one on one without it". Played straight somewhat by design, as the Group style carries an inherent critical chance that will be applied on every single opponent within range. Because of that, you can usually find yourself in a situation where one second you are surrounded by a large pack of mobs, the next all of them drop dead instantly from the critical strike that the style dealt out.

* [[Conservation of Ninjutsu]]: [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin|The 'group' fighting-style]] [[Captain Obvious|is more effective when used against a group of enemies than a lone opponent]], and by more effective, "It's easier to get multiple enemies into a range it can be used than it is to fight them one on one without it". Played straight somewhat by design, as the Group style carries an inherent critical chance that will be applied on every single opponent within range. Because of that, you can usually find yourself in a situation where one second you are surrounded by a large pack of mobs, the next all of them drop dead instantly from the critical strike that the style dealt out.

* [[Contractual Boss Immunity]]: Averted. Most bosses can be stunned/knocked down and instakilled.

* [[Crazy Prepared]]: Given the large number of potions, oils, and bombs that are available through alchemy, it's possible and efficient to play as such a type of character.

* [[Crystal Dragon Jesus]]: The Church of the <s>[[Eberron|Silver]]</s> Eternal Flame, another goddess draws from the [[The Hecate Sisters]]. A prophet by the name Lebioda replaces Jesus in the Holy Grail legend.

* [[Cutscene Power to ~~The~~ Max]]: While you can learn it early in the game, Geralt will parry the Professor's crossbow bolt in Chapter 3 even if you don't.

* [[Cutscene Power to the Max]]: While you can learn it early in the game, Geralt will parry the Professor's crossbow bolt in Chapter 3 even if you don't.

* [[Cutting the Knot]]: One quest is to complete a potion that requires a virgin's tears. The quest giver recommends a brick maker (who is as far away from the quest giver as possible) who is rumored to be a virgin. You could go all the way over to the brick maker and verify the rumor... or you could just ask a nun in the temple less than a block away (or your Order contact if you sided with them).

* [[Deadpan Snarker]]: Geralt would certainly qualify, as would several others. Sharp wit seems to be a coping mechanism for the [[World Half Empty|world]] they live in.

* [[Desperately Looking for A Purpose In Life]]: Witchers, which were formerly a necessity in the world, are now classed as obsolete. Geralt can ask questions of this effect at a few points.

* [[Desperately Looking for a Purpose In Life]]: Witchers, which were formerly a necessity in the world, are now classed as obsolete. Geralt can ask questions of this effect at a few points.

* [[Did You Just Punch Out Cthulhu?]]: {{spoiler|Dagon's close enough, although you don't beat him directly. There's also the optional last battle against the King of the Wild Hunt (possibly death incarnate) and the Beast (that is a powerful manifestation of people's guilt and possibly a punishment of the gods).}}

* [[Difficulty Spike]]: The Beast, boss monster of chapter 1 (of 5), can be a nightmare even on Medium difficulty. All the rest of the game, particularly from chapter 2 onward, is a piece of cake compared to it. Once you learn the new system, though, a fight that was a nightmare on Medium can easily be a [[Curb Stomp Battle]] on Hard: the problem is a steep learning curve, not true difficulty.

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* [[The Dragon]]: The Professor {{spoiler|looks like he is this, but Azar Javed himself is actually just [[The Dragon]] to the REAL [[Big Bad]]}}.

* [[Dying Like Animals]]: Just about everyone.

* [[Everything's Better ~~With~~ Princesses]]: Princess Adda, apart from what's under "the world" part, isn't exactly the innocent [[Distressed Damsel]] now.

* [[Everything's Better with Princesses]]: Princess Adda, apart from what's under "the world" part, isn't exactly the innocent [[Distressed Damsel]] now.

* [[Expy]]: Azar Javed from the game is a thinly veiled Expy of Rience, henchman of Vilgefortz from the books. Their backstory is pretty much identical -- both went to the same school of magic and were kicked out for their shady dealings. Same goes for Professor (Magister in the Polish version) -- his behaviour and speech patterns make him a shout out to a minor villain from the saga, and in the English version he ended up with an identical nickname.

* [[Fantastic Racism]]

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* [[Genius Bruiser]]: Azar Javed. The villain who spends the whole game using magic fights {{spoiler|his final battle by [[Dual-Wielding]] giant flaming hammers.}}

* [[Genre Savvy]]: Geralt is well aware of "traditional" endings to common fantasy stories, and sarcastically brings them up constantly. He also sees through the excuses and lectures of the bad guys and tries to cut straight to the chase several times.

** Geralt's knowledge of fantasy tropes is not always used to make fun of them, however. They sometimes are very true. For example, in the sidequest "Beauty and the Beast," {{spoiler|the cure for werewolves is sought by [[Hooker ~~With~~ a Heart of Gold|Carmen]] for her lover [[Da Chief|Vincent de Meis]]. Several remedies are found, from the folk (wolf's aloe sewn in a shirt), to the scientific (a potion containing a virgin's tear) to the really corny, fairy-tale remedies (true love). Shockingly, it's the corny one that actually works.}}

** Geralt's knowledge of fantasy tropes is not always used to make fun of them, however. They sometimes are very true. For example, in the sidequest "Beauty and the Beast," {{spoiler|the cure for werewolves is sought by [[Hooker with a Heart of Gold|Carmen]] for her lover [[Da Chief|Vincent de Meis]]. Several remedies are found, from the folk (wolf's aloe sewn in a shirt), to the scientific (a potion containing a virgin's tear) to the really corny, fairy-tale remedies (true love). Shockingly, it's the corny one that actually works.}}

** It gets better. Geralt openly admits that he's been specifically trained to see through the schemes of intelligent monsters that are often [[Genre Savvy]] enough to utilize misconceptions of the common folk concerning their nature.

* [[Giant Enemy Crab]]: {{spoiler|The Koshchey.}}

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* [[Heroic Albino]]: Geralt has white hair and pale skin.

* [[Heroes Want Redheads]]: The two 'optional encounters' that could be considered serious love interests are both redheads. The only major female character that is not redhead is Toruviel (and to, some extent, also Carmen).

* [[Hooker ~~With~~ a Heart of Gold]]: Carmen. {{spoiler|She wants to cure her lover of lycanthropy. With Geralt's help, she can succeed.}}

* [[Hooker with a Heart of Gold]]: Carmen. {{spoiler|She wants to cure her lover of lycanthropy. With Geralt's help, she can succeed.}}

* [[Hotter and Sexier]]: While the books made it clear that Geralt [[Really Gets Around]], the games are somewhat infamous for their level of sexual content. The first video game adaptation has an almost absurd number of [[Optional Sexual Encounter|Optional Sexual Encounters]]. The sequel significantly cuts down on the number of encounters, but counteracts that with some very explicit cutscenes.

* [[Hot Witch]]: Abigail.

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{{quote| ''"Witchers are known to carry two blades. A silver blade for monsters and steel for humans."''<br />

''"Both are for monsters."'' }}

* [[Humans Are White]]: The one black character (outside of the ambiguous vaguely Arabian Azar Javed) is a mutant who only appears in a cutscreen, and never in actual gameplay. Note that Temeria and Redania are based heavily on medieval central Europe, and it's likely that ethnic diversity was chosen to be scarce [[In Universe]].

* [[Humans Are White]]: The one black character (outside of the ambiguous vaguely Arabian Azar Javed) is a mutant who only appears in a cutscreen, and never in actual gameplay. Note that Temeria and Redania are based heavily on medieval central Europe, and it's likely that ethnic diversity was chosen to be scarce [[In-Universe]].

* [[I Have You Now, My Pretty]]: Subverted. During the final duel, Salamander claims he has captured Geralt's love interest (Triss or Shani, depending on the choices made throughout the game), but he is bluffing.

* [[Identity Amnesia]]: Geralt has amnesia, and has to be told who/what he is and what he can do.

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* [[Loads and Loads of Loading]]: The Witcher is particularly infamous for this -- though the Enhanced Edition fixes this... except with the ''quick''saves...

* [[Lost in Translation]]: It's often painfully clear that the original script was not in English, and the voice acting doesn't help. The Enhanced Edition is better about this.

* [[Lovecraft Lite]]: In one quest, Geralt can fight and kill {{spoiler|[[HP Lovecraft|Dagon. Yes, THAT Dagon.]]}}

* [[Lovecraft Lite]]: In one quest, Geralt can fight and kill {{spoiler|[[H.P. Lovecraft|Dagon. Yes, THAT Dagon.]]}}

* [[Mad Scientist]]: Azar Javed is a magical version of this.

** Kalkstein is a more traditional example.

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* [[Optional Sexual Encounter]]: ''Many'' in the game, to the point of infamy.

* [[The Power of Friendship]]: Depending on Geralt's actions and solutions during the first game, several characters will come and aid Geralt in his time of need. Examples include {{spoiler|Vincent, who aids you against Salamandra soldiers if you cure his lycanthropy; Siegfried, who vouches for you to the guards if you teamed up fighting the cockatrice; Zoltan, if you side with the Scoia'tel, becomes your wingman through burning Vizima; and a few characters may appear during the endgame in de Aldersberg's vision, such as your love interest, Adda, and Celina.}}

* [[Power Perversion Potential]]: [[In Universe]], the best part of immunity to disease and mutation-induced sterility? Ability to sleep around without consequence.

* [[Power Perversion Potential]]: [[In-Universe]], the best part of immunity to disease and mutation-induced sterility? Ability to sleep around without consequence.

** Not to mention that one of the ways to identify a witcher is that they give 'tingling' sensations. Neither book nor game shies away from the implications of that.

* [[Precision F-Strike]]: You know [[The Stoic|Geralt]] is pretty pissed when he starts swearing.

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*** The delivery of that theory makes it more of a [[Take That]].

** The Lumberjacks in the swamp will sometimes discuss their love of [[Monty Python's Flying Circus|pressing flowers and going to taverns dressed as women.]]

** The boss of Chapter 4 is {{spoiler|[[Eldritch Abomination|Dagon]], a [[Physical God]] straight out of the [[Cthulhu Mythos]].}} The Bestiary entry for which begins with ''[[HP Lovecraft|That is not dead which can eternal lie; and with strange aeons, even death may die.]]''

** The boss of Chapter 4 is {{spoiler|[[Eldritch Abomination|Dagon]], a [[Physical God]] straight out of the [[Cthulhu Mythos]].}} The Bestiary entry for which begins with ''[[H.P. Lovecraft|That is not dead which can eternal lie; and with strange aeons, even death may die.]]''

* [[Shut UP, Hannibal]]: Geralt's response to villains' [[Hannibal Lecture]] generally consists of this, [[Deadpan Snarker|DeadpanSnarking]], or [[Talk to ~~The~~ Fist]]. In fact, the final level consists of Geralt constantly doing this to the [[Big Bad]]'s attempts to justify his actions.

* [[Shut UP, Hannibal]]: Geralt's response to villains' [[Hannibal Lecture]] generally consists of this, [[Deadpan Snarker|DeadpanSnarking]], or [[Talk to the Fist]]. In fact, the final level consists of Geralt constantly doing this to the [[Big Bad]]'s attempts to justify his actions.

* [[Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism]]: Very cynical, near the extreme end of the spectrum. Idealist characters are few and far between, and even they are willing to wade through corpses if it should further their goals. It's not as if good things can't happen at all, but they tend to be on the personal level and few and far between, which makes it all the more sweet when something does go right.

* {{spoiler|[[Stable Time Loop]]}}: {{spoiler|A theory about the creation of the [[Big Bad]].}}

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* [[Unwinnable By Mistake]]: Some sidequests (like Vesna Hood's sex card and getting the parcel to Coleman) become unwinnable if either die.

* [[Video Game Cruelty Potential]]: A particularly nasty example early in the game can have Geralt {{spoiler|sleeping with a young, sexy witch with the promise to protect her, only to hand her to an angry mob who kills her a couple of minutes later}}.

* [[Villain ~~With~~ Good Publicity]]: {{spoiler|The Reverend and Jacques De Aldersberg.}}

* [[Villain with Good Publicity]]: {{spoiler|The Reverend and Jacques De Aldersberg.}}

* [[Villainous Breakdown]]: {{spoiler|The Reverend if you side with Abigail}}, {{spoiler|Jacques during the final battle}}, and several others.

* [[Visible Silence]]: A NPC at a party Geralt goes to. Subverted, as you can get him drunk to get him to talk.